Constellations in the Sky During December

The month of December is probably the most hectic month of the year so taking some time out to spend stargazing is a great way to wind down and relax. During December there are several constellations visible in the sky including Perseus, Aries, Taurus and Camelopardalis. Other jewels in the night sky during December are the Pleiades and the Geminid meteor shower.

The constellation Perseus is the last constellation in the legend surrounding the royal family of Ethiopia. Perseus was Andromeda's hero and was also the center of many other myths. During December Perseus is high overhead in between Cassiopeia and Andromeda. The shape of Perseus is not easy to distinguish from the stars that form it and the stars are even harder to locate because the constellation branches out in so many directions. The entire constellation lies in the span of the Milky Way and has two main branches that form a Vee. The branch on the left or Western side has two stars leading off it that represent the head of one of Perseus' victims and the branch on the left has three stars that form a hook.

Rising up from the Southern horizon is Taurus the Bull a constellation included in the zodiac. The constellation can be found almost directly overhead in the direction of the Southern horizon. Taurus is a very linear constellation with the Eastern end beginning at the edge of the Milky Way and reaching West. The two large stars that form the ends of parallel lines meet up to form a vee and then join to form a single line three stars long. To help you find Taurus locate Orion first and then look directly to the West to the Vee that forms the face of Taurus.

Aries, the Ram, is a constellation of only four stars that can be found in the sky during December near Taurus and the Pleiades. If you are able to locate the Pleiades look immediately to the left or West and hold a finger out to the sky. There is only a fingertip length between the two constellations. Hamal is the brightest star in the constellation and the only aid in distinguishing the rest of the constellation from the sky.